countyscore
58.9
County Score
Safety 85Income & Jobs 75.4Schools 73.1

County Report Card

About Ottawa County, Ohio

Well Above the National Median

Ottawa County earns a high composite score of 59.6, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This reflects a high-performing community with strong social and economic indicators.

A Premier Ohio Destination

Outpacing the Ohio average of 48.6, Ottawa County's 59.6 score makes it one of the more desirable locations in the state. It balances high earnings with an extremely safe environment.

High Incomes and Safe Schools

The county shines with an income score of 78.2 and a median household income of $75,728. It also prioritizes safety (85.0) and education, with a school score of 73.1.

Higher Cost of Living

Quality comes at a price, as the cost score of 37.3 reflects higher housing expenses. The tax score of 32.1 also indicates a higher burden than more rural neighboring counties.

Perfect for High-Earning Families

Ottawa County is best suited for families who have the income to support a $200,700 median home value. Those seeking excellent schools and a safe, high-income community will find it worth the premium.

204060801003037.88572.473.175.440.945.752Tax30Cost37.8Safety85Health72.4Schools73.1Income75.4Risk40.9Water45.7Weather5258.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Ottawa County DNA

Foverall

How Ottawa County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Ottawa County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (85/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (30/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
30-22
Cost
37.8-10.200000000000003
Safety
85+30
Health
72.4+22.400000000000006
Schools
73.1+19.099999999999994
Income
75.4+24.400000000000006
Risk
40.9
Water
45.7-12.299999999999997
Weather
52
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Ottawa County?

Many homeowners in Ottawa County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$219,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$930/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$219,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,101/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Ottawa County with Lawrence County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Lawrence County
Alabama
Median income: $66,071
58.9
Kiowa County
Kansas
Median income: $75,539
58.9
Lane County
Kansas
Median income: $54,526
58.9
Taylor County
Kentucky
Median income: $60,456
58.9
Iberia Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $56,961
58.9
Webster County
Mississippi
Median income: $58,789
58.9
White Pine County
Nevada
Median income: $72,865
58.9
Caswell County
North Carolina
Median income: $59,755
58.9

Nearby counties

Sandusky County
Ohio
55.9
Erie County
Ohio
47.3
Lucas County
Ohio
25.1
Seneca County
Ohio
53.7
Wood County
Ohio
50.8
Monroe County
Michigan
42.8
Huron County
Ohio
56.9
Crawford County
Ohio
48

Deep Dives

Ottawa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ottawa County

via TaxByCounty

Ottawa taxes fall slightly below U.S. median

Ottawa County's effective tax rate of 1.087% sits just slightly above the national median of 1.08%, keeping it near the U.S. middle ground. Homeowners pay a median of $2,181 annually—19% less than the national median of $2,690—despite homes valued 29% below the national average.

Close to Ohio's middle ground

Ottawa County's rate of 1.087% runs just below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, placing it squarely in the middle tier of Ohio's 88 counties. Its median tax of $2,181 is nearly identical to Ohio's median of $2,145, reflecting typical statewide property tax burdens.

Moderate taxes in the regional context

Ottawa County's 1.087% rate sits between Morrow County's 1.100% and Paulding County's 1.090%, making it very competitive with nearby counties. Only Montgomery County's 1.777% exceeds Ottawa by a significant margin, meaning most neighbors pay similar rates.

Ottawa's typical annual bill

On a median home valued at $200,700, Ottawa County residents pay $2,181 annually—about $182 per month. Those with mortgages see escrow of $2,295, while cash buyers typically remit $1,991 directly to the county.

Assessment accuracy still matters

Ottawa County homeowners should verify their property assessment just like anywhere else; evaluation errors are common even in moderate-tax counties. A free appeal to the county auditor is worth your time if recent sales suggest your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ottawa County

via IncomeByCounty

Ottawa exceeds national income benchmark

Ottawa County's median household income of $75,728 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $973, placing it among stronger-performing counties nationally. The county's per capita income of $47,629 substantially exceeds Ohio's average of $35,642, indicating broad-based earning strength.

Clear leader among Ohio counties

At $75,728, Ottawa County ranks in the upper echelon of Ohio counties, exceeding the state average of $68,101 by $7,627. This leadership position reflects a diversified economy with strong manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors.

Regional income champion by clear margin

Ottawa County's $75,728 median income leads all regional peers, significantly outpacing Morrow County ($71,047), Paulding County ($68,167), Montgomery County ($64,403), and all others. The county's economic strength stands distinct against surrounding regions.

Strong incomes meet housing costs easily

Ottawa County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% is the lowest in the region, and median home values of $200,700 are highly accessible at current income levels. Residents enjoy robust affordability and flexibility for additional savings or investments.

Ottawa's strength creates wealth opportunities

Ottawa County's above-national median income of $75,728 and exceptional per capita earnings of $47,629 provide genuine wealth-building potential. Maximize retirement contributions, consider investment property opportunities, and work toward long-term financial independence through diversified asset growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ottawa County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Leader: Ottawa County

Ottawa County is exceptionally safe, with a total crime rate of only 349.2 per 100,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the national average of 2385.5 and earns the county a safety score of 99.4.

Among Ohio's Safest Counties

The county's safety score of 99.4 easily surpasses the Ohio state average of 97.8. Its crime rate of 349.2 is also far below the statewide average of 1412.3, marking it as a secure region.

Ottawa's Record vs. Neighboring Counties

Ottawa County is much safer than nearby Montgomery County, which reports a crime rate over seven times higher at 2586.0. These figures are supported by data from 12 reporting agencies.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Violent crime is very rare in Ottawa County, occurring at a rate of 49.5 per 100,000. Property crime is also minimal at 299.7, both of which are far below national averages.

Securing Your Ottawa County Home

Ottawa County's low crime rates provide peace of mind for residents and visitors alike. Even in safe areas, using deadbolts and motion-activated lights can help ensure your home remains a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Soil Quality in Ottawa County

via SoilByCounty

Ottawa County’s alkaline soil profile

Ottawa County features an average pH of 6.60, making it one of the few areas in Ohio that exceeds the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity is higher than the state average of 5.97, creating a favorable environment for many specialized crops. The unique lake-influenced environment contributes to this distinct soil chemistry.

Balanced sand and silt mix

The soil is composed of 37.5% sand, 37.7% silt, and 24.8% clay, offering a more even distribution than many neighboring counties. This high sand content improves drainage and aeration compared to the silt-heavy soils common elsewhere in Ohio. The clay fraction remains high enough to provide the necessary structure for plant support.

Lower water capacity but solid score

Available water capacity stands at 0.169 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.186 in/in. Organic matter content is 3.34%, trailing the state average but still providing a healthy base for microbial activity. Overall, the county achieves a soil score of 66.3, matching the state average exactly.

Understanding lake-adjacent hydrology

While dominant drainage classes are not specified in this dataset, the higher sand content generally suggests better-than-average permeability for the region. Because Ottawa County borders Lake Erie, localized water tables can vary significantly based on proximity to the shore. Site-level testing is recommended for any drainage or foundation planning.

Gardening by the lake in zone 6b

The lake-moderated climate of hardiness zone 6b is famous for supporting orchards and vineyards. With a favorable pH of 6.60, this soil is ready-made for many vegetables and fruit trees that struggle in more acidic soils. It is an excellent place to establish a productive home garden or a small commercial plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ottawa County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Challenges in Ottawa County

Ottawa County presents a tougher challenge than most of Ohio, with a lawn difficulty score of 66.0. While this is lower than the state average of 76.0, it is still better than the national median of 50.0. Residents in this Zone 6b area must be more proactive with their maintenance to achieve a lush lawn.

Adapting to Lakefront Climate Variations

Specific temperature and rainfall data for Ottawa County are currently limited, but its lakefront position often influences local growth cycles. Homeowners should watch for high humidity levels which can lead to increased fungal pressure on turf. Adapting your mowing schedule to local conditions is crucial for maintaining lawn health here.

Perfect pH Balance in Sandy Soils

The soil in Ottawa County is a highlight, featuring an ideal pH of 6.60 and a high sand content of 37.5%. This sand-heavy mix provides excellent natural aeration but may require more frequent watering as it drains quickly. The 24.8% clay content helps provide the structure necessary to hold onto essential lawn fertilizers.

Severe Drought Conditions Demand Attention

The county is currently facing significant drought, with 100% of the area being dry and 56.6% in 'Severe' drought or worse. This follows a difficult year with 26 weeks of drought conditions. To save your lawn, prioritize deep, infrequent watering and avoid mowing during the hottest parts of the day.

Selecting Drought-Tolerant Turf for Zone 6b

Due to recent drought trends, heat-tolerant Tall Fescue is an ideal choice for Ottawa County lawns. While specific local frost dates are unavailable, general Zone 6b guidelines suggest seeding in the late summer for the best establishment. Focus on soil moisture retention strategies now to prepare for future dry spells.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ottawa County's county score?
Ottawa County, Ohio has a composite county score of 58.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Ottawa County rank among counties in Ohio?
Ottawa County ranks #8 among all counties in Ohio on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Ottawa County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Ottawa County is $2,378, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Ottawa County a tax score of 30/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ottawa County?
The median household income in Ottawa County, Ohio is $76,101 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ottawa County earns an income score of 75.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ottawa County, Ohio a good place to live?
Ottawa County scores 58.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Ottawa County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Ottawa County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.